to keep the attention of the students, it is very important to move around the classroom.
locating youself in various areas in the classroom also lets the students know that you are teaching to all of themand not just the ones in the front of the dlass
I believe moving around the room not only allows for the students to feel that there is a state change, it also helps me to make better eye contact with students that are not sitting in the first row or so. I can also observe if the student is on task and into the subject matter.
I move around the classroom a lot.
It helps me manage my classroom better as I can see better which students are focusing and which students need assistance in understanding what I am discussing.
It gives the impression to all students that they are all included in the learning environment.
During the Practical segment of my class, I can assist my student better as I see them actually in action and I can encourage them if they are proceeding correctly and I can help those who need to need adjustments in their technique.
As a whole, I can also create better rapport with my students and I can understand their needs better.
Totally agree with you, moving around in class allows all to be engaged in the learning process.
It's important to move around the classroom to get the students engaged in the discussion, show enthusiasum and to monitor those students who may doing things they shouldn't.
To teach to the whole class as well as accessing activity in all areas. It leads to an all around comfortable atmosphere for students and the instructor.
I like to think of movement around the classroom in terms of a presidential debate. There are debates consisting of the candidates at podiums, speaking in a classic format, but there's always one set up in a "town hall" format. Movement and interaction with specific audience members is encouraged in this setup, and I think the effect is clear: the speakers seem more fluid, approachable, and real when given the chance to move around the arena. The classroom arena is no different. I think that students will feel the effect and respond to it positively.
That is a great strategy Andrea. One that forces you to move. Great.
Ryan
Yes & I think it often catches the students off guard a little as they too often are used to the stand & deliver format.
Bonnie,
Great example of adapting to the situation. I too have found that six across (or another number) configuration to work well as long as like you we keep ourselves moving.
Ryan
I think it benefits both the instructor and the students when the instructor moves around the room. It gives the students a chance to shift their focus from one location to another which helps them stay and alert and attentive on the information - before their eyes start to glaze over. I know I'm not always good about moving about the classroom, so through out the class period I write notes and major lecture points on a white board that is about 8 feet from where I like to stand. It forces me to move about and not be tied to one place in the room. I find this also shifts my focus from one group of students to another, providing equal attention to all of the students.
It's important to move around the class because it pulls the students into the discussions that are being presented. It also helps to keep the students alert and the instructor aware of the actions of the students.
When I move close to the students I feel I make the classroom activities more personal and help to build more confidence in the classroom.
I've had my room in a horse shoe effect and it allowed the students to stay involved in my lectures - as I had little room to manuver around and I tended to stay up front, but I felt I lost several students that were in the back. I have arranged my room in rows of six across and it has allowed my to circle to class while I lecture and I can see who I have lost or lag behind, and I have them more focused on me.
Hi Lauren!
Moving around keeps us all on our toes and connected to what's going on.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I move a lot during lecture but not during tests. It IS all about engaging the students. If a student at the back asks a question or makes a point, I'll move toward the back to 'welcome' the student into the discussion.
I really enjoy seeing the 'lights come on' when a student starts to get excited about a topic/idea. By moving around the classroom, I try to encourage discussions on these different 'ah-ha' moments. I also find it keeps the students on task and focused on the topic.
I enjoy moving through the classroom/kitchen while I am lecturing because the students do pay better attention to what I am saying. Sometimes I can grab a visual effect to help them remember something. I also like to tell little stories to keep the attention of the class.
Moving around the room during lecture helps all the students to participate and feel like a part of the class. Students on the back row tend to get left out.
Hi Caran!
I like the point you make here, not only do we have internal distractions to divert but exterior distractions. When appropriate, I try to turn those external distractions into learning opportunities.
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Greetings Patricia!
I dislike using the podium so much that I push it aside and us the corner of a classroom desk/table.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
